Chapter 4

Béke Day One

Liliana wore the same dress she'd worn the night Izidora was kidnapped from Este Castle, the nude glitter catching the light of the giant fireplace in the living area of the suite. Between the reminder of that night and the way Endre looked at her with pure adoration, waves of irritation and jealousy shot down my arms, curling my fingers into my palms until the nails bit into the skin. Domi dripped jewels, and if I didn't know any better, I would have said she belonged in the Iron Realm.

Vadim sprawled across a couch, drink in hand, and he whistled when Viktor and I emerged. "Looking sharp, Kazimir."

"Thank the Goddess you finally shaved that awful beard," Liliana laughed.

"I appreciate you all letting me know I looked like shit before," I deadpanned.

Vadim and Viktor snorted, the former tipping the last of his drink into his mouth before rising from his seat. "Anytime, brother," he teased.

Kaztar cleared his throat, swirling ice around his glass. "Shall we convene with the Crystal Realm before we go to the feast?"

"Lead the way, Kaztar," Viktor said. "There are a few items of business I'd like to discuss."

Tucking his wife's hand into the crook of his arm, Kaztar led us through the maze of halls until we stopped in front of a large set of double doors. He knocked four times, with a long pause between the third and fourth – the signal we'd agreed upon before arriving in the Iron Realm.

High Lord Tukka answered the door, his hungry expression sweeping up and down Liliana appreciatively before acknowledging us and allowing us to pass. Endre's fists curled and uncurled as he passed through the door, and I bit my lip to hide the snicker that threatened to escape as he became possessive of Liliana. She soaked up every second of the males silently promising war over her, much to Vadim's dismay and Domi's amusement.

King Airre settled a dainty tiara over his wife's head, and Aake and Mikko, the other High Lords of the Crystal Realm who joined us, lounged in the middle of the large, open apartment with tall windows and high ceilings. When Queen Immonen rose, she spun to face us immediately, clapping her hands as she beamed over our appearances. "You all look lovely! Please, have a seat anywhere you'd like, there is more than enough room."

We spread out among the array of couches, chairs, and poufs, the High Lords of the Crystal Realm passing around glasses and drinks while we chatted. Once the monarchs had been served, Viktor cleared his throat. "What do you think happened to King Azim?"

King Airre blanched, his lips forming a thin line as he shook his head. "I can only assume that he is dead, though by natural or unnatural cause is certainly up for debate. If I had to guess, I would say that Ruslan is king by force. I knew King Azim long enough to know his tells and how to approach him – I guess not well enough to know about the experiments done in secret within these very walls – but we will have to dance delicately with King Ruslan until we have more information. I do not think this will change our other plans," he finished with a low whisper.

"I don't like the male. There is something almost manic about him, almost like he could be welcoming one moment and have you pinned beneath his sword the next," High Lord Tukka declared, betraying the true depth of his emotion with the way his knuckles tightened over the arms of the chair.

"That we can definitely agree upon, Tukka," Viktor said grimly.

The queen tapped her finger on her chin for a moment, and we fell silent, waiting for her to speak. "We should have a day for just us females. I'd like to get to know Izidora better, and perhaps Liliana and Domi can coax some truth from her. The Iron Realm has natural hot springs that run from the mountains, and the water is incredible for your skin. I will suggest a day at the spa for us."

Liliana beamed, excitement bursting from her at the idea of pampering and relaxation. "That is a brilliant idea, thank you, Queen Immonen."

"King Ruslan better not deny me this. I went on my own when we were here four years ago, and my skin was soft for months afterward." The queen swooned, a dreamy expression crossing her face, rendering it serene.

Her husband lifted her bejeweled hand and planted a light kiss on the back of it. "I'll ensure you get to go before we leave, my love." Liliana and Domi's sighs were audible as they watched the tender moment between the mated pair.

King Airre glanced at the large clock pinned to the wall. I followed, noting that the time for the ball drew near. Nervous anticipation settled in my gut, the sick feeling hollowing me out and setting me on edge. I glanced at Endre, whose half-smile bolstered my confidence.

I would show Izidora that I was the better male, and she would come running back to me before the night was over.

"Who is ready to make an entrance?" I grinned roguishly as the High Lords jumped to their feet, mischief and plotting in each of their expressions. King Airre and Queen Immonen followed shortly after, the latter gliding in front of us to the double doors, head held high and shoulders back in a display of regal confidence.

"We will show the usurper what real monarchs look like," she announced as her husband captured her arm to lead her out of the room. I always liked the queen, but statements in support of my claim and against Ruslan made me a lifelong fan. High Lords Aake and Mikko opened the doors for them, then fell into place as we marched to the ballroom.

Kaztar and I led the Night Realm's entourage a few paces behind, just enough distance to appear loosely united rather than plotting an attack on the Iron Realm. The halls passed in a blur as I held my focus on the task at hand, until finally we rounded the corner to the richly decorated entrance of the ballroom. Soft silks draped the door, pinned in place by obsidian spikes, and on either side rows of perfectly polished guards stood, backs ramrod straight, against the walls. They didn't even blink as we passed them, and a wave of hatred washed over me at Ruslan's clear display of mistrust and arrogance.

The reception line spilled out the door, and Queen Viktoria and King Consort Geza were already in it.

Perfect timing.

I strained my ears to hear the words she spoke to a few of the nobles of the Iron Realm, but her voice was lost amid the dim roar that echoed in the cavernous room beyond the metal doors. She disappeared beyond my view, moving deeper into the space where I assumed Ruslan and Izidora waited.

Endre grasped my shoulder and leaned forward to speak in my ear. "Get through this ball without pissing off Ruslan and getting us all killed. Or getting pissed off and killing Ruslan."

Before I could respond, Viktor added, "You want Izidora to remember who you are, and acting… Irrationally will not help. Either way, let's get out of this alive, yeah?"

He wanted me to contain the binding magic that slumbered within my chest, ready to fight at the slightest provocation. "I am planning on controlling myself."

We entered the ballroom, and a line of noble Iron Fae waited to greet us.

Fucking bastards.

They got to chain Izidora in a cave for twenty-one years and then show their faces like nothing had happened? I still couldn't comprehend how Izidora was so willingly hanging on Ruslan's arm after what the Iron Fae did to her. None of this made any sense, and I needed answers. Ruslan clearly had some sort of power over her that was making her act this way. It was the only explanation.

The first of the lords of the Iron Realm dipped his head, and I gritted out my pleasantries, not listening to his response as I concentrated on the sweet sound of Izidora's voice as she greeted Queen Viktoria. Her words were indistinguishable, but I would recognize her tone across lifetimes, the sound of home always calling me to her.

Behind me, Kaztar and Domi redeemed my coolness with polite flattery.

I reached the High Lords, two young males whom I had not met before. They regarded me with vicious intent. One licked his lips as if he anticipated a delicious fight breaking out later. Something between a grin and a baring of teeth held my lips wide as I stepped up to them. I refused to bow my head, and they did the same as we locked eyes. "I don't think I have met either of you before. I am High Lord Kazimir Vaszoly."

"You haven't. I am High Lord Slavian and this is High Lord Anton," the blond male said, gesturing to the deeply tanned male to his right.

"Which houses do you belong to?" I asked politely, though I couldn't care less who they represented. My focus was on reclaiming my mate, standing mere feet from me.

"I am House Vitali," Anton replied.

"Ah yes, I remember your father from my last visit to the Iron Realm. How long ago did he pass?" I feigned a hint of sadness.

Anton's eyes flashed as he snarled, "Don't pretend like you care. You only want to know how long I've warmed his seat."

I raised a brow but said nothing as I turned to Slavian. "And your house?"

"House Romanuk. I remember your father from his last visit to the Iron Realm. Why are you here in his stead?" His words were barbed and aimed to wound. Grief that gave way to rage surged through my veins, awakening the binding magic in my chest, but I held my expression firm, shoving my desire to strangle him down for a later time.

"He died during the attack on Este Castle. I am the Head of House Vaszoly now."

Anton's face went wolfish, and I swore his eyes flashed yellow momentarily. "Welcome to the club of young High Lords. We'd love to take you out during your time here and show you the best spots to find willing females who would do anything to bed a bachelor Lord."

I assessed the two standing before me, and it was clear they were used to getting their way, their cocky arrogance on full display to the world. "I'll let you know if I grow bored in Ryza Citadel. If you'll excuse me." I quickly extracted myself from the conversation, avoiding the temptation to punch them in their smug faces as they suggested I forget about Izidora for a more willing encounter.

As I greeted the remaining High Lords, Queen Immonen's airy voice drifted down the line from where she and King Airre spoke with Ruslan and Izidora. "...your circlet is gorgeous! King Ruslan, you must allow us females to have a spa day while the males get together. Your future wife needs to look her best on your wedding day!"

Bile rose in my throat at her false praise, but she was certainly adept at getting what she wanted, because Ruslan acquiesced. "While my mate is already stunning, I cannot deny the request of such a kind queen. Princess Izidora and yourself will find much common ground in that regard."

"You are such a gem! I cannot wait to get to know you better, Princess Izidora," Queen Immonen finished with a kiss on either cheek.

"Likewise, Queen Immonen," Izidora responded in kind, her warmth toward everyone but me like a punch to the gut.

Only a few Fae remained between my mate and me. Hearing Ruslan voicing his claim to her over and over cut deep into my soul, for I knew she was mine and not his. My binding magic agreed. But I gritted my teeth and steeled my spine against it as High Lord Tukka finished with them, then I took the final step toward her.

I ignored Ruslan, instead taking Izidora's hand in mine and caressing it with a featherlight, sensual kiss. Her pulse fluttered in her wrist as I pulled my lips away. "Izidora, I am so happy you are safe and sound. We unanimously proclaimed you queen despite your absence. We eagerly await your return, as do your people, who love you dearly."

Tears welled in her big, beautiful eyes, but she held the same serene smile as she spoke to me at last. "I am glad to see you are well, Kazimir. And to hear that all my people are well. I look forward to celebrating this time of peace with you and the rest of the Night Fae."

Her formality stung like the lashing of whips, and the coolness she showed me despite this insistent tug between us had me wanting to hurt her like she continued to hurt me. "Unfortunately, not all of your people are well. We lost many the night Ruslan attacked Este Castle, including my father." A low growl came from the male beside my mate, but I did not heed his warning. "Kriztof, Kirigin, and Zekari gave their lives for you, My Queen. I hope it was not in vain."

A tear rolled down either cheek, taking with them a line of black. Her expression dropped, and she took a nearly imperceptible step closer to Ruslan, whose hand immediately found her lower back. I wanted to remove them from his body immediately. She looked to the ceiling, blinking rapidly, while her fingers swiped at her eyes.

"I think you should move along now," he snarled, his glare hot enough to burn.

I scrutinized him as we stood only a breath from each other. The hint of madness Tukka had noted was carefully masked, but there. Ruslan's shoulders were tense beneath the well-cut suit as if he were prepared to strike at any moment. A flash of teeth showed pointed canines, and I sensed he would be an equal foe under the onslaught of the binding magic I hid in my chest.

"Kazimir, would you mind grabbing a drink for Domi? She is parched," Kaztar butted in, shooting me a look that told me I needed to relax.

"Certainly," I gritted out, then stalked away from the receiving line. I did not go far, choosing instead to wait out of sight for the pair to finish speaking with Ruslan and Izidora.

"High Lord Kazimir and myself are representing the Night Realm at this year"s Béke at the behest of the council, since our monarch has not yet been formally crowned," said Kaztar. "In our entourage, we have the sons of High Lords Erik Adimik and Tibor Zadik, and the son and daughter of Lord Nikolai Arzeni. They send their apologies for not being able to attend this year"s festivities, as we must keep our realm running smoothly in the queen's absence." Kaztar was a brilliant courtier and one I was grateful to have on my side.

"Thank you, High Lord Kaztar. Enjoy the opening ball." Ruslan's insincerity dripped through every word. I fixated for as long as I could on Izidora, watching her greet Liliana and Endre before Kaztar blocked my vision.

"Do you want to win her back or not?" he hissed. "Because you're not off to a very good start. Pull it together, Kazimir."

Kaztar gripped my upper arm and steered me toward one of the long bars lining the room, where he ordered whisky for us while Domi ordered wine. The glass was finely crafted and inlaid with gems, and I gritted my teeth momentarily before loosening my jaw and sipping. The burn seared my throat before settling in my belly, though it didn't satiate the fervent need to follow that string that led me to Izidora.

The wood bar held me up as I surveyed the room buzzing with activity. The mingling crowd was thick with females bedecked in jewels of every color, their male companions joining them in slim-fitting suits. Off to the side, a group stuck out of the normal crowd, their clothing simple yet elegant, and by the looks of them they were clearly not Iron Fae. One in their number had hair whiter than Queen Immonen, and I would have mistaken him for Crystal Fae if it weren't for an ethereal aura that surrounded him. Around him, five others with various shades of dark hair and red eyes shifted to look at me as if they sensed my attention on them. The tall Angel turned, his piercing blues pinning me in place from across the room. He said something to his companions, after one last glance over his shoulder.

"Are those Angels and Demons?" Domi gasped as she noticed the group.

"I think so, but I never spent enough time around the port in Vaenor to meet one before. Have you?" I questioned.

Kaztar stepped forward, narrowing his eyes to get a closer look. "I met an Angel once – he was an explorer. I bought him a drink and he told me that the Angels and Demons like to keep to themselves," he recalled. "They live for millennia and hate involving themselves in the petty affairs of the mortals, as he called us." He shrugged, then downed the last of his drink and set the glass on the bar. I did the same. The rest of the Night Fae had finished moving through the receiving line and were gathering across the room.

"What do you think they are doing here?" Domi whispered as we pushed through the crowd.

"Shh, not here, Domi," Kaztar replied. "There are too many open ears."

Indeed there were. Every Iron Fae assessed us as we passed them, regarding us with suspicion. Their stares did not affect me, for they were against me, and I did not care to win their approval – my sole focus was rescuing my mate from the Iron Fae again.

Would the Angel help us do that?

Izidora was part Angel, and from what Queen Liessa's former maid had told us before we departed for Béke, the non-Fae were in the Iron Realm against their will. Perhaps we could convince the Angel and the Demons to side with us, and in exchange for their help, we'd free them from the clutches of the Iron Realm.

About halfway across the room, Kaztar and Domi interrupted my plotting with an excuse that they wanted to sit, tired after riding for weeks on end. Bidding them goodbye, I continued to my friends, arriving just in time to witness Endre loop his arm around Liliana's waist. But she stared off into the distance at the young High Lords in the receiving line, curiosity cocking her head ever so slightly to the side.

"Can you get me a drink? I need one." She turned her attention to Endre, batting her long lashes and offering him a soft smile.

"A glass of bubbly wine coming up." Endre dropped his arm from her hip after giving it a gentle squeeze. I clenched my fists.

"I need a glass of something strong. Anyone else?" Vadim offered, stepping forward to join Endre.

"I do," Viktor and I said in unison.

Vadim and Endre chuckled, then pushed through the crowd, retrieving the liquid we needed to make it through the evening. I scanned the room, finding no sign of Ruslan and Izidora.

Where had they disappeared to?

My gaze landed on High Lords Slavian and Anton, sauntering up like they owned the citadel and boxing Liliana in. Both looked her up and down, Anton licking his lips appreciatively and rubbing his hands together. She shot them both a sideways glance, then flicked her hair over her shoulder.

"Can I help you?" She crossed her arms and popped out a hip, her attention raking over Slavian, and then drifting onto Anton.

By the way Viktor crushed his lips together, I knew he and I felt the same about the two males. I eagerly waited for Liliana to tear them to pieces. If wars could be won with sharp words in place of swords, she would be queen of the world.

"The real question is, can we help you?" Anton said smoothly. "I'm High Lord Anton. Pleased to meet you…" he paused, waiting for her to fill in her name.

She turned her back on the male, faced Slavian, and cocked a brow, waiting for him to speak. His eyes flashed with delight at her defiant attitude. "I am High Lord Slavian, and I would love to get you a drink."

"Get me a drink, or get me drunk?" she quipped.

"Get you a drink, get you drunk, get you off, probably in that order," Slavian purred, teeth raking in his lower lip suggestively.

Viktor barely held in a snort while I lifted my hand to cover the smile threatening to break free. Endre and Vadim were fast approaching, both fixated on the two males standing on either side of Liliana. Between High Lord Tukka and these two, Endre was going to fight someone before this trip was over.

They circled around, listening intently. Vadim slipped a drink in my hand, then one in Viktor's as he stepped between us. Endre sidled between Anton and me, clearing his throat as he passed Liliana her bubbly wine. "I believe she already has a drink."

"Are you going to get in on this?" I whispered to Vadim.

"Not a chance. Let's see if Endre is worthy of my sister," he chuckled darkly. "Though I hope he does not scare them off completely. I hear they spend copious amounts of time with willing females, and I can take them up on their offer if I grow bored here. There's a reason I pushed Liliana along to Izidora in the receiving line."

I returned my attention to the growing tension before me. "I think the Lady can speak for herself," Slavian purred. "Anton and I can show you such a good time while your companions are off playing politics. You look like a female who likes to have fun."

She sipped her drink, sighing after the cool liquid hit her tongue. "What gave it away? The wine or the cut of this dress?"

"While that dress looks damn good on you, it would look so much better on my bedroom floor. But I'm offering other fun as well. I can take you places you've never been before, beautiful," Slavian promised, his tone dripping with lasciviousness.

Endre snarled low at Slavian's provocative undertones, and Liliana scowled at him before turning her attention to Anton. "And what are you offering?"

"The same as my friend here. Tell me, have you ever been worshiped like the Goddess? Because we know just a place to make that happen. In fact," he glanced around at all of us surreptitiously before continuing, "we should all go tonight for the after-party. This event is too stuffy for a bunch of young blood like us."

Endre growled a warning, but Liliana pointedly ignored him. "Sounds fun. How do we get there?"

The liquor caught in my throat, and I coughed, trying to clear my airway. Liliana was wild like the creatures of the forest, and not even Vadim could control her. She was open to anything, and dragging us along with her? That was simply an extra flair of fun for her. Endre clenched and unclenched his fists as she flirted with the two males, making arrangements for us to meet them once the ball concluded. For a moment, I thought he might break his jaw from the way the muscles in his cheek feathered.

"I'll need your name so that our security knows to let you in," Slavian pointed out, thumbing his lower lip.

She batted her dark lashes at him before offering it up. "Liliana."

Slavian lifted her hand, kissing the back of it lightly before bowing and backing away, melting into the crowd with Anton. "I look forward to seeing you there, Lady Liliana."

"Why did you agree to go?" Endre snapped the second the pair were out of earshot, pushing his messy hair out of his face as he towered over her.

Liliana tipped the last of her drink into her mouth and then shrugged. "You didn't stop me." He bent his head close to her, furious whispers passing from his lips to her ears, and then reversing direction.

Vadim snickered beside me. "She did that on purpose to test him."

I whispered back, "I gathered that much."

"We're still going, right?" he clarified, hissing like the alcohol burned his tongue.

Before I had a chance to respond, a gong reverberated throughout the room, signaling the time to find our places. Toward the back of the space, hundreds of tables were neatly arranged, all holding place cards and elegant dining ware. I checked table after table, searching for my name, but each came up empty. Only a handful of people still waded through the sea of tables looking for their seats, and when I reached the last table and still found none, I dropped into an open chair, flicking the name card away without looking.

Feeling eyes on me, I glanced to the high table to find Ruslan's sardonic smirk.

Petty bastard.

If he was secure in his relationship with Izidora, he would not feel the need to slight me and control her. I bared my teeth in his direction, and he merely sipped his drink and turned away, ignoring me and adding to my ire.

Each Night Fae was seated at a different table around the room, no doubt another strategic move on Ruslan's part. Liliana was at the table beside mine, positioned – unsurprisingly – between High Lords Slavian and Anton. Endre was farther away, staring daggers in their direction; if looks could kill, the two would be bleeding out onto the iron gray tablecloths draped over the circular tables.

At least High Lords Soma and Domon sat at my table. I engaged the High Lords of the Day Realm in conversation as we waited for our meal to be delivered. The metal goblets at the top corner of our place settings were already filled with dark red wine, and I gulped down the dry liquid until only a drop remained at the bottom. Not a moment later, a young servant appeared, pitcher in hand, and refilled my drink.

High Lord Soma lifted his goblet in my direction, and High Lord Domon and a few others surrounding us mimicked him. "Let us drink to our friendship, but remember that Béke's competitions start tomorrow, and after that," he grinned deliberately, "we will see if we are all still friends."

I lifted my goblet in turn, saluting my table companions, then drained the second glass. My nerves started to settle as the alcohol relaxed me, forcing me to focus on the present moment rather than the unknowns that lay before me. The Day Realm's High Lords played the role of jokesters and entertainers, keeping the entire table engaged and laughing, even through the serving of a dozen ostentatious courses. For the most part I ignored the high table, save for a few glances at Izidora, who spoke jovially with Queen Viktoria and Queen Immonen.

Memories of our meals together, both on the road and at my family's estate, Zirok, flooded my mind. The sound of her laughter as the Nighthounds entertained her with stories of misadventures, the way she unabashedly ate every crumb of the sweet treats that were piled on her plate. The memory of her burning her mouth on a slice of fresh-baked pie came too, a grin tugging at my lips before a stone settled in my gut, wishing that Kriztof, Zekari, and Kirigin were with us in the Iron Realm. Together, we were an unstoppable force, and without them I felt unmoored, like an essential part of me was missing.

She'd laughed with them, with us, with me.

And now, she did it with him.

A slow, classic tune filled the air, and one by one Fae stood from their tables, laughing and throwing their fine silk napkins over their plates. They wove their way to the dance floor, picking up mid-song and twirling around.

From the opposite end of the room, I had a fantastic view of Ruslan and Izidora, hand in hand, joining the couples already dancing. He pulled her flush against him, hand splaying over the bare skin of her lower back, a finger dipping beneath the black fabric that barely covered it.

Her smile was devastating.

I rose without thinking from my seat.

Her expression was exalted as he spun her and then yanked her back to him.

I pushed forward through groups of Fae taking far too long to move.

She laughed, breathless and happy.

The glass I had been holding shattered, my magic and my mind screaming for me to act, to save.

She was happy without me.

And I would not stand for it.

I stalked toward Ruslan and Izidora, intent on snatching her away from him the moment I reached them. As the final note lingered in the air, I parted the crowd roughly, earning scandalized looks from the finely dressed couples standing at the edges.

Izidora found me immediately, her head jerking in my direction as that tug between us became insistent. Ruslan whipped around after her lips parted, and I bowed my head to her before holding out my hand. "May I have this dance, My Queen?"

Ruslan smacked my hand away with a snarl. "She will not dance with you. Not after you upset her earlier."

I stepped closer to him so we were nearly nose to nose. My blood burned hot in my veins, dark magic simmering just below the surface of my skin. "What are you afraid of, Ruslan?" I crooned. "I am simply a High Lord asking his queen for a dance. She has chosen you to wed, after all."

His eyes flashed with black fire, his mouth forming a hard line as he stared me down. Endre and Viktor watched the interaction cautiously, ready to jump in should I lose control.

Should I have goaded Ruslan? Probably not.

But did I care? No.

I was better than Ruslan, and I needed to remind Izidora of our love so she would willingly leave his side and rejoin me in our bed. Ruslan needed to be embarrassed in front of his people, his new reign tarnished by his inability to keep a female.

Neither of us yielded to the other, two males resolved to win this power struggle, even as people started to stare and whispers overtook the music in volume.

"I'll be okay, Ruslan." Izidora placed her small hand on his chest, a gesture of reassurance that made my nails cut into my palms. Ruslan scowled at me a moment longer but eventually caved. Whether it was because he tried to appear like he was not fazed by my request, or because he wanted the approval of his people, I did not care, because I had won the first battle.

"Fine," he spat out through clenched teeth. He barely stepped away from Izidora, and I bowed to her reverently before tucking her hand into the crook of my elbow and leading her onto the dance floor. Ruslan vibrated with barely restrained rage as he watched us together, his eyes never leaving us as I circled deeper into the crowd of dancers.

Izidora was guarded as we began to spin among the couples, her aquamarine eyes hard in a way they'd never been before as she pointedly looked everywhere but my face. She didn't melt into me like she did Ruslan, so I pulled her closer, needing to touch her in every way possible after so long apart. But she pulled back as much as she could, like she did not want to touch me, so similar to the first time we rode Fek together. Much like then, my heart sank, and my fingers dug into her back as I forced her closer again.

"Kazimir, you're hurting me," she frowned, finally looking me in the eyes.

"Izidora," I croaked, unable to say more as my every sense was overcome with her closeness once again. Her rosy scent filled my nostrils, smooth skin brushed my palm, petite frame pressed firmly against my body, big eyes drinking me in. All of it was intoxicating and all-consuming.

"Kazimir, loosen your grip."

"Izidora, I've worked so hard to get to you. You have no idea what I've done over the past months." I tried and failed to keep the desperation from my tone.

"And you don't know what I have either." Her voice was flat and her face lacked all semblance of joy.

"What did he do to you? What is he threatening you with?" My voice was a little too loud, and the couples around us regarded us for a moment before moving along.

Izidora's iciness deepened with the unwanted attention our conversation was bringing. "He's done nothing wrong, Kazimir. But I've changed – a lot."

"Then let me get to know the new you. I have a surprise for you. Please, let me show you how much I love you." I was begging, but I didn't care – not when losing our bond was the price of failure.

Her aquamarine eyes wavered, bouncing between mine as she chewed her lip. "Fine. We can spend some time together tomorrow."

I released a breath, a weight lifting from my chest with her words. "Thank you, Izidora."

Her lips pressed into a firm line as we continued the steps of the dance, but I couldn't waste a single moment I had with her. "I still love you, Izidora. Don't you still love me?" My voice broke over the question, along with my heart.

A tear spilled down her cheek, and guilt flashed in her eyes. "Kazimir, I–"

Before she could finish, Ruslan yanked me back, separating me from Izidora.

"What the fuck," I snarled, shaking his hand off of me.

"Song is over," he hissed, wrapping Izidora possessively under his arm. She made no move to fight him.

I clenched my fists, still hearing the same tune playing. "You can't handle another male threatening what you think is yours, can you? You're just an insecure child playing king."

He dropped his arm from Izidora, and then he took a menacing step toward me.

"Ruslan!" Izidora reached for his sleeve and missed.

"She chose me, and you can't handle that," he seethed, popping one knuckle after another as he puffed himself up.

I straightened to my full height and bared my teeth, not backing down, not when I'd been preparing for this fight for months.

I took a step forward. "It seems to me like she was not actually given a choice. What do they call that? Oh yeah, rape. As if she did not experience enough abuse at the hands of your people, you had to continue it."

Horns sprung from Ruslan's head as he shoved me with all his strength, forcing me to take a stumbling step back. "She came to my bed willingly. She even asked nicely. And she had no thought of you."

The only color I saw was death as I dove for his midsection, pulling us both to the floor. The crowd parted as their king and I each grappled for control of the other. Ruslan swept my legs out from under me so that I landed hard on my back, air whooshing from my lungs as he rained heavy blows on my face. I trapped his arm before he could land another punch and rolled him off, retaliating with a hard elbow to the ribs followed by a sharp hit on his jaw.

Ruslan spat blood into my face, and I jerked back, giving him the opening he needed to stand up and throw a knee to my face. I dodged at the last second, catching the back of his leg and standing, off-balancing him as I kicked his other leg out from beneath him. He landed with a heavy thud, and I dove to follow him, fist poised to strike again, when a set of hands dragged me backward. I struggled against them, my vision tunneled on a grinning Ruslan who pushed himself off the floor.

"Kazimir, calm the fuck down. We can't do this here," Viktor warned, giving my arm a harsh yank, trying to ground me. But I was too far gone.

Ruslan flashed his bloody teeth and spat ruby on the ground. "That's right, run away like the weak male you are. No wonder Izidora chose me. A real male would fight to the death."

"Let's fucking go." I yanked out of Viktor's grip, raging to finish what I'd started.

I stomped toward Ruslan, who used the opportunity to lunge and yank me to the ground with him. He wrapped his legs around my shoulders as I fell on top of him, locking them together so I was gasping for breath and blood in my brain. My vision clouded, stars dancing in my eyes as I struggled to free the knife hidden at my ankle.

But the darkness embedded in me sang and filled my veins with power, giving me strength. Knife in hand, I stood with him still wrapped around me and stabbed into his side. He grunted, legs releasing my neck, but dropped them to my hips instead, launching me back with a powerful kick. The crowd caught me as Ruslan popped to his feet, his roar shaking the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling as he clutched his side.

Drazen burst through the crowd and grabbed Ruslan from behind before he could move forward and continue our fight. He shouted past me, "Get him out of here!" as Ruslan's eyes flashed with dark fury. Izidora's hands were pressed against Ruslan's side a moment later, white light flashing beneath her fingers as she healed him.

The sight of her so quickly coming to his aid boiled my blood.

Viktor's hands were on me again, with Vadim assisting him as they fought to return me to myself.

"Come on, Kazimir," Viktor ordered as they hauled me through the crowd of people, and once Ruslan was out of sight, rage's hold fell away as if it were never there at all. I slumped into the chair they threw me in once we left the ballroom, head in hands as I processed my massive mistake.

Vadim snorted, "At least he hit you first."

"I can't believe you called him a rapist," Viktor groused.

"You heard that?" I questioned with a defeated sigh.

"Oh, yeah, we heard the whole thing. As did half the room. It was not a good look for you, especially if you want to win Izidora back. We talked about this." Viktor pinched his brow, then ran a hand over his dark hair to smooth it. He opened his mouth to admonish me again but was interrupted by Endre and Liliana bursting from the ballroom.

A breath of relief left Endre's lips as he saw me slouched in the chair, guarded from repeating my earlier actions. "I told you not to piss him off."

"Yeah, well, he pissed me off." I defended my actions, even though I was fully aware that I had acted like an ass.

"I also told you not to get pissed off and kill him." Endre glared at me from above like he was scolding a petulant child.

"Well, he is alive isn't he?" I gestured toward the ballroom, where the revelry continued as if the King of the Iron Realm and a High Lord of the Night Realm hadn't brawled in the midst of it.

Vadim snorted again. "Only because Viktor pulled you off him, so don't make that excuse. You did in fact stab him."

And I didn't feel one ounce of remorse.

Silence stretched between us. I ran a hand over my face, wincing as I brushed over a bruise.

"You look like shit, Kazimir." Liliana reached her fingers to my face, touching my aching cheek. When I jerked under her touch, she ordered me to hold still. Silver light caressed my face, and I let her heal me, though I probably didn't deserve it. She was not a gifted healer like Endre, so the fact that she had offered to heal me at all spoke volumes.

The doors banged open behind us, and High Lords Slavian and Anton spilled into the hallway, both obviously drunk.

"There you are! Come on, Kazimir, let's go find some willing females." Anton stumbled over to me, grabbing my arm in an attempt to take me with him. I shrugged him off immediately, and Slavian took that to mean that they needed to try harder.

"Anton, you idiot, he does not want another female right now. What he needs is a strong drink and some herbs from Steel," Slavian chided, hiccuping over his words.

Anton wagged a finger at his friend as he clung to his shoulder. "You're right, Slavian. Some herbs will do him good."

"Liliana! Make your friends come with us," Anton exclaimed when he noticed her kneeling before me.

"I think we've had enough excite–" Endre started before I interrupted him.

"Lead the way, Anton." Endre glared and I merely shrugged. Ruslan's words still echoed in my head, and I wanted to drown all my thoughts in whisky. If Izidora went to his bed willingly – no, I didn"t even want to consider it.

The drunk High Lords sang an off-key tune as they led us to the courtyard, a fresh layer of snow covering the ground. Anton whistled at a male leaning against a closed carriage. "Take us to Steel!"

The driver pushed off the frame, opening the door for us and waiting until we were all inside before closing us in. It was a tight fit, and Liliana sat on Endre's lap, twirling her fingers in his dark locks while shamelessly flirting with the two High Lords. His hands twitched over her thighs, subtly bunching up the glittering fabric in his tense fingers. Beside me, Vadim and Viktor spoke in hushed tones, leaving me alone to witness the antics across from us.

Instead, I watched the capital of the Iron Realm pass us by, trying not to think about the noises Izidora made as Ruslan gave her all the pleasure she wanted.